The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a 1969 children’s picture book designed, illustrated, and written by Eric Carle. The book features a very hungry caterpillar that eats a variety of foods before pupating and emerging as a butterfly. It has won many children’s literature awards and major graphic design awards.[1] It has sold upwards of 50 million copies worldwide,[1] selling roughly a copy per thirty seconds since its publication.[1] The book has been lauded as “one of the greatest childhood classics of all time.”[2] Its ‘eaten’ holes and collage artwork were innovative for its time.[1] The book includes counting, days of the week, food, and a butterfly’s life cycle, which contribute to juvenile education. Carle’s original work has been the basis for various tie-in products.